Carlton North

Just 20 diners a night are admitted to this inimitable Indian restaurant, where owner-chef Helly Raichura cooks vibrant banquets faithful to her home state of Gujarat (plus others) using top-quality local produce and native ingredients.

A rustic wine bar from two experienced hospo names.

Lucky’s Pizzeria in North Carlton is a sweet little pizza joint that locals love.

A versatile Rathdowne Village favourite. Stop by for a coffee and pastry in the mornings, or opt for a bowl of pasta over lunch. On your way out be sure to grab a bottle of Italian vino from the shelves.

This Rathdowne Village cafe has an old soul: with a relaxed, unpretentious feel reminiscent of the pre-Instagram era. It's got a pared-back, produce-driven menu that looks different day to day (but the standout gravlax and signature riff on eggs Florentine aren't going anywhere).

The Carlton North cafe is now takeaway-only, serving Turkish-style fried chicken sandwiches, more varieties of flaky borek than ever before, and syrupy choc-hazelnut baklava.

A welcome oasis for coffee lovers in North Carlton.

The volunteer-run sister cafe to the CBD’s Kinfolk has a mostly vegetarian menu that uses produce from friends’ farms, and it donates 100 per cent of its profits to charity.

A consistent neighbourhood favourite.

A cosy local in Rathdowne Village where you can eat, drink and play records.

An old man’s pub made cool again.

It may be small, but this neighbourhood wine bar packs a huge range.

Visit this tiny bakery for knockout sweet-and-salty croissants, hazelnut pains au chocolat and asparagus and goat's curd pastries. But get in early and be prepared to queue – it almost always sells out.

This neighbourhood fishmonger sells top-quality seafood, deli items, pantry staples and a range of fish-focused takeaway meals – from salmon bagels to sashimi and nigiri lunch boxes.

A cosy deli on leafy Rathdowne Street.

An old-school butchery with a modern day ethos.

If it has anything at all to do with Italian food, it's probably here.

Sourdough made with patience.